I was in high school when I started hating the way I looked. I always felt different to the other girls in my class, as I was curvy and they were all slim and athletic. I’d search online for ways to lose weight quickly, then starve myself for days – until I was so hungry I’d binge on anything I could get my hands on. Once I was old enough, I started buying shakes and supplements to suppress my appetite. I knew it wasn’t healthy, but I was desperate. 

Looking back, I know I lost myself during my teenage years. I had no sense of style and would hide away in baggy clothes because of my low self-esteem. Once I hit 18, I started binge-drinking at weekends, and my mental health plummeted. I took anti-depressants for a while, which made me feel a bit better, but they did nothing to address the underlying issues at hand. 

I was 20 when I first joined Slimming World. I went to group for a few weeks and lost half a stone quite easily – and because I found it so easy, I decided I could just follow the plan on my own. That was a mistake. I totally underestimated the power of group in keeping you motivated and on track – as well as the support and understanding from your fellow members who are in the same situation. I was soon feeling even worse about myself, and like I’d hit rock bottom. 

Watch what happens in group 

Returning to group last year was nerve-wracking and emotional. I stood outside for ages, trying to pluck up the courage to go in. But the Consultant, Shelly, was so welcoming – I really needn’t have worried. 

Stepping on the scales was a moment that still brings tears to my eyes. I was beyond mortified to see the number. I felt bitterly disappointed in myself, and full of self-loathing.  

But when I was sitting in group afterwards, listening to others sharing their thoughts and feelings, I felt something shift in my mindset. I’d never stayed to group before, and I realised it was exactly what I needed. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone. I left with a sense of excitement to start my journey, and a plan for how I was going to smash my first week.  

I struggled with friendships during my teen years, so I’m especially grateful to have made amazing friends (of all ages) in my Slimming World group – people who know what it feels like to be unhappy with your weight. In particular, Jay, Anna and Beth have become some of the most important people in my life.  

Shelly has been an absolute godsend. On day one I told her that if I ever had a gain, I’d be too embarrassed to stay to group. When that inevitably happened, she chased me down the stairs and encouraged me to come back. She knew that if I left, I’d probably spiral and never come back. It was exactly what I needed in that moment, and it gave me the opportunity to soak up support from the group when I needed it the most.  

Of course, we have plenty of fun and laughter, too, and we share so many tips and recipe ideas. I live with my fiancé, Richard, and we enjoy making curries together – there are so many to choose from on the Slimming World app.

Fancy a curry? Spice up your menu with this tasty selection 

We also love cooking together using Slimming World Kitchen recipe boxes. The meals are delicious and so easy to make – my favourite so far is the steak tagliatelle. 

After losing nearly 3st, my fitness is so much better than it was. We live on a small holding, and I can now move the sheep with ease and even chase any escapees! I can also keep up with my fiancé and our dog when we’re out on walks now. I’ve started doing yoga classes again, too – something that I used to enjoy but gave up along the way.

We’ll help you to gradually build up your fitness through our activity support programme 

My confidence is also improving. I’ve ditched the baggy clothes and I’m discovering my own sense of style. My mindset has changed so much that I even felt able to enter the Miss Wales competition – and I’ve made it to the finals! It’s all about empowering and inspiring young women to be independent, strong and their authentic selves – which Slimming World has helped me with so much.  

My biggest challenge has undoubtedly been the mental side of things. I’m more than halfway through my journey and I still sometimes find it difficult to see that I’ve lost weight. My group helps me so much on those bad days, though. If anyone reading this feels unsure about staying to group, just give it a chance – talking really does help!  

Thankfully, my bad days are becoming fewer and fewer. My fiancé proposed to me in July, and I’m happy with how I look in the photos!

Instead of feeling hopeless, I’ve got so much to look forward to now. It’s not just about the weight I’ve lost, but about the friendships and confidence I’ve gained. My teen years were lost, but now I’m making up for it in my 20s! 

Weight loss will vary according to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.